Depression over Bay of Bengal to develop into a cyclonic storm

Showers or thundershowers are due at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western and Southern provinces, Department of Meteorology says.

Fairly heavy showers of about 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. Several downpours will occur in the Northern province.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere over the island, particularly during the afternoon or night.

Strong winds of about 40-45 KMPH can be expected at times over western and southern coastal areas and along the western slopes of the central hills.

General public has been given notice to take adequate preventative measures to ensure safety of themselves from damages within reach triggered by strong gusts and lightning during thunder showers. 

The deep depression over Southeast Bay of Bengal persisted as a deep depression and laid centered at 11.30 p.m. on May 10 near 10.80N and 88.20E.

The department stressed that it is possible to make its way north-northwestwards and develop into a cyclonic storm over southeast Bay of Bengal later on into a severe cyclonic storm over central Bay of Bengal.

With this in view, word has been sent to the naval and multi-day fishing communities not to venture into deep shallow sea areas bound by 03N-20N and between 85E-100E until further notice.

Further, they are requested to be extra vigilant whilst carrying out naval and fishing activities in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Mannar, Kankesanthurai and Mullaitivu.

In view of this, they are further advised to keep an eye on the future forecasts sent out by the Department of Meteorology.

In the meantime, showers or thundershowers will fall out occasionally in the sea areas around the island.

Winds will be south-westerly over the marine areas around the island and would strike at 30-40 KMPH.  The wind speed may shoot up to 50-55 KMPH periodically in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Mannar, Kankesanthurai and Mullaitivu.

The sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota and sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Mannar, Kankesanthurai and Mullaitivu will remain rough. The other sea areas around the island will be moderately rough.

Besides, temporarily strong gusts of wind and very turbulent waters may turn up during thunder showers.